Costa Rica Travel News – Heading to Puerto Viejo? Of course you are, because that’s the best part of Costa Rica. Whether you’re looking for a budget or a luxury rental, I’d suggest calling Monica and Evi at Habitat Vacation Rentals because they manage over 20 homes in Puerto Viejo, Punta Uva, Cocles, Manzanillo, and Playa Chiquita, so there’s sure to be one that fits your needs. Additionally, they offer great promos during the low season.
They have both been in the business and in the area for years and they decided to combine forces to give you a single place to call for such a variety of options. The homes can accommodate from 2 to 10 guests comfortably. Some are near bars and restaurants while others are surrounded by nature. Whichever you prefer, they have more than a few options you will love.
When I was in the Puerto Viejo area, I got to see a few of their homes and I was impressed. Let me tell you about the ones I saw and maybe one of them will be just what you are wishing for.
Casa Anumi was my first stop. Mauricio met us at the local supermarket and took us up the mountain to this house in the rainforest. He was friendly and helpful, telling us a great deal about the area and the home. It is a spacious home with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. The inside is cozy, with nice touches like giant pillows and nice table coverings. It’s made with fine quality wood, high ceilings, and designed to create ventilation from every angle. The outside is incredible, and sometimes you can’t tell if you are inside or outside, like in the open air showers. Watch the monkeys playing in the trees while taking a hot water shower. What could be better? There are decks in the front and the back and guests have access to a BBQ area. There is a table, hammock, rocking chair and bird cage swing chair to enjoy on the privacy of the deck as you search for hummingbirds, 3 types of monkeys or the tucan that nests nearby. It’s a real special place for nature lovers. This home is over a kilometer to the grocery store, beach and restaurants, so it’s a good idea to rent a 4×4 to stay there. The trek is well worth it for the 360 degree view of the Talamanca Forest and the ocean you’ll enjoy. The second floor of the home can be opened up to see wildlife and greenery in three directions. There’s a space to work on this floor, and what a great thing it is to work with forest views. There are hiking trails to a river nearby. It’s a peaceful, quiet getaway, far removed from all noise, pollution, and distraction. This is the home to chose if you want a total disconnect from technology and city life. Casa Anumi would be ideal for anyone who likes yoga, meditation, or birdwatching. There are two rental homes on this property, making it ideal for larger groups that want more space.
Casa Madera, the “wooden house,” was our next stop. It’s ideal for those who, like me, enjoy waking up to the sounds of nature but also value being in walking distance to conveniences. It accommodates two guests. This one is an easy 5 minute walk to a supermarket with international products, a few restaurants, including a vegetarian cafe, and two accesses to one of the nicest beaches, Playa Chiquita. It’s surrounded by the jungle but not isolated. The home has a large front patio that is covered and perfect for eating outside, having a BBQ, relaxing in a hammock or rocking chair, or entertaining. It’s right off of a private pool made from natural stones. A dip in this natural pool and a BBQ with friends is the best way to end any day. The home features an open, airy concept, with the bedroom area in the middle and the office, bathroom and kitchen areas around it. The home comes with internet, fans, and great natural light. It’s in a fresh area, free from humidity and surrounded by well manicured gardens. It’s both private and secure, with the nearest neighbor being the guard’s house. Casa Madera is just 5 kilometers from Puerto Viejo and all its attractions, tours and nightlife.
The third home we saw was Casa de la Musa, a restored Caribbean-style cabin that takes this cute old charm look and makes it a bit more modern. The wood floors and traditional balcony seat are contrasted with bright white walls and modern appliances. There’s WIFI and air conditioning in the bedrooms.The nicest part is that it’s right on the beach. There’s a little path leading from the sand to the kitchen, so you can easily make a picnic lunch or a cocktail and take it to watch the waves break in just moments. Just outside the kitchen is a patio with adirondack chairs, a hammock and a dining table. Upstairs you find two bedrooms, a living space and a bathroom. The home is located in Punta Uva, the most swimmable beach, about 800 meters from the nearest grocery store.
Lastly, we spent some time at Villa Coralina, also near Punta Uva Beach, which was rated one of the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world. The home has an interesting feature, a kitchen outside on the terrace. You can watch the playful howler monkeys as you cook, dine, or relax on one of the couches. There are two bedrooms and a bathroom inside. It’s been recently renovated and there are quite a few decorations that give it that extra special touch. The home is complete with A/C, WIFI and Sky TV. Villa Coralina 1 and 2 are next to each other, so a larger group can use them both together.
In case you own a property in the area and are looking for someone to maintain it while you are away or even manage rentals for you, they are a great choice. I personally saw their dedication and hard work. The homes they manage are clean, smell fresh, and have signs of being cared for with great attention. They have great reviews from visitors and homeowners alike. They are a trustworthy, reputable name in the area. They manage everything from housekeeping and gardening to maintenance and construction. They can handle everything from keeping your pool clean to repainting the whole house to adding on a few rooms.
In addition to property management and vacation rentals they can help guests get set up with tours, transportation, spa services, private chefs, and just about any service you might need. They leave a book in each house full of their suggestions for tours, activities and restaurants nearby and they’d be happy to reserve them for you. Some of the most popular activities in the area are snorkeling, diving, visiting an indigenous reserve, stand up paddleboarding, surfing lessons, hiking through the Gandoca Manzanillo Park, or stopping by the Jaguar Rescue Center to play with some monkeys or observe baby sloths. Any trip to Puerto Viejo will be full of as much adventure or relaxation as you’d like. Staying in one of these well maintained homes makes it all the better.
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